Developmental psychologist Peter Gray has spent years studying the impact of children’s imaginative play on their growth and development. He shares his findings in the book Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray is a professor of psychology at Boston College and his book just came out in paperback.

Then, Michael McDonald was a Doobie Brother and touring member of Steely Dan, but the blue-eyed soul singer is best known for his solo hits like I Keep Forgetting and the mysteriously-titled, Yah Mo B There, as well as his covers of Motown classics. McDonald is here to discuss his long career with Bob.

HOUR TWO:

Pioneering television journalist Belva Davis overcame racism and sexism to become the first black female news anchor on the West Coast. Davis reports her own story in the memoir Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism.

Then, Bob talks with one of his favorite singers. Jennifer Warnes had a run of Academy-Award worthy songs from films such as Norma Rae, Ragtime, An Officer and a Gentleman and Dirty Dancing. Warnes also talks about her professional relationship with Leonard Cohen. In 1987, she produced and recorded Famous Blue Raincoat – her tribute to Cohen. In 2007, Warnes released a re-mastered, 20th anniversary edition of the album.